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Everyone Should Have a Basic Bug Out Bag

While there are hundreds of articles and videos about bug out bags on the web, I recently realized in talking with a number of my friends, some people have not gotten around to building one yet.

It’s one of the basics things to have for those of us who try and live a preparedness lifestyle. You want a well thought out bag or kit that holds the basic survival / comfort items to support one person for 3 days or 72 hours if re-supply is not available. Many of the items you probably have around your house already, others can be gotten at Wal-Mart or Dollar General for low costs. Every family member should have one ready to go if for some reason you have to get out of your area in a hurry. Think fire, flood, chemical spill or any other scenario that would create the need to leave fast.

I’ve heard the following quote in one form or another in the last two weeks from a number of people online that I follow and respect.

“Don’t let making something perfect get in the way of getting something done that needs to be done.”

In other words if you don’t already have a bug out bag, just get one put together NOW and improve it as time and funds will allow.

Pick a bag, any bag for your supplies. Ideally it should be a well made back pack big enough for the supplies listed but not so big that you continue to fill it up until it’s too heavy to carry for any distance. Military surplus would be good but there are many non- military camouflaged options out there. If you can afford it, buy the best quality you can and skip the Chinese Walmart schoolbook bags unless that is all you can do at the time. And don’t forget to check your local Goodwill or thrift shops, I found some nice backpacks in them from time to time.

While a backpack is generally considered the norm, when our family bugged out before Katrina from Covington Louisiana to Dallas Texas, we did it with rolling suit cases…… so whatever you have, make it work until you can improve it.

It’s also a good idea to mark your calendar to check the contents twice a year, around the time the seasons change. Rotate any seasonal clothing, spare batteries and check freshness dates of the food and medicines you have packed.

See my other post on the supplies that stay in each of our cars that includes water, tools and extra supplies here: http://tntacticalsupply.com/what-is-in-our-car-kits/

Feel free to give me your thoughts on contents and what items you might have in your family members bags that are different below.